(Newser)
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The American citizen sentenced to hard labor by North Korea and then freed with the help of Jimmy Carter (click here) arrived back in the US today, CNN reports. Aijalon Mahil Gomes took a private plane back with the ex-president, meeting his family on the runway of Boston's Logan airport. "Thank you President Carter for traveling to North Korea to bring Aijalon home," the family said in a statement.

Carter, for his part, said nothing on whether he had met with Kim Jong-Il in order to secure the release of Gomes, 31, who is described as a Christian activist. It remains unclear exactly why Gomes crossed over the border from China. "That's not in his character," said an uncle. "He did not take things to the extreme. He may have just been trying to peek in and help others and teach them. He had good motives. I know he had good intentions."

Former President Jimmy Carter waves to onlookers after arriving at Logan International Airport with Aijalon Gomes. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

I did think about a possible CIA link, but a Black guy from Boston in North Korea? Come on, that would stand out like an orange in a barrel of apples - just don't make sense. Maybe getting an Asian CIA agent to blend in with the general population would have been a better deal. Last time I checked the CIA does employ Asian agents. In my book this guy is just an idiot whom got caught.

hatchling1

Aug 27, 2010 4:48 PM CDT

I'm really sick and tired of Americans doing stupid things which require our national leaders to bow and scrape before tyrants like Kim Jong-Il, which distorts and complicates diplomatic situations. We legitimize these despots and their policies by sending the likes of Clinton and Carter to beg and grovel for the release of foolish Americans who want to test the limits. Leave them to rot.

odowd80

Aug 27, 2010 4:12 PM CDT

This is something a conservative would have been incapable of doing. Thank you, Jimmy Carter, I wish there were more men like you in politics.